Steve Bruce has revealed Ross McCormack is yet to apologise for failing to make training because of a stuck gate and said the striker will only be considered for the Aston Villa side when he does so.

McCormack reported on time yesterday for his session with Villa's Under 23s, where the £12million summer signing has been sent to train by his infuriated manager, but a return to contention is some distance off.

Villa have been trying to sell McCormack during January and are even weighing up letting the 30-year-old leave on loan while supplementing his £45,000 per week wages by almost half.

Steve Bruce has revealed Ross McCormack is yet to apologise for failing to make training

Manager Steve Bruce became embroiled in a public spat with the player over his conduct

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But Bruce said on Monday he has received no enquiries for the Scotland international and admitted their stand-off continues.

Bruce was so angered by McCormack claiming his electronic gates would not open as an excuse for missing training earlier this month that he went public on the matter, adding it was not the first time his player had failed to show when required at Bodymoor Heath.

And the Villa manager said yesterday: 'It's up to Ross to apologise and admit he's done something wrong. I haven't heard anything.

Bruce was angered by McCormack's claims his gates would not open so he missed training

The security measures at McCormack's property have become a big part of this story

'He has to apologise to me and the team. If that happens we will get on with it. Up until that happens, the ball is in his court.

'He could still be here on Wednesday. I've had no phone calls on him. If he apologises, then I'll look at it and see on merit then. But until he admits his behaviour was unacceptable then the situation will stay the same. He's still with the 23s, I call it the reserves.'

On speaking about the incident in public, Bruce added: 'It was measured, the press had the story, and I will tell the truth. It was no calculated gamble.'